Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How can I master Czech in Iowa City, IA and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study with recorded courses, you have 4 principal options for learning Czech interactively in Iowa City, IA. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, read about centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are a little more affordable.) Your second option can be local for-profit language academies that are better priced and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, non-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. 4th and last, you can opt for a private Czech tutor in Iowa City, IA. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Iowa City, IA and online Czech tutors.
🎟 How expensive is it to learn Czech and what do Czech tutors charge?
For university and college courses you can estimate Czech course cost by dividing annual tuition by ten (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the rate for 1/2 of a hundred lesson hours each semester. Language academies and independent Czech tutors charge $30-55 per hourly group lesson, with individual classes starting around $50 or more. Some of the most budget-friendly Czech tutors can be found online, with costs on Preply averaging 27 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor geography, experience and student demand. Real student rating average for Czech lessons on Preply is 4.93 out of 5 stars.
📚 How much Czech do I need to know to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared prove your profeciency level. All classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework load and testing, so research all such requirements in advance. With personal Czech tutors you can read real feedback for whom the tutor is effective with and which other expertise they make available (like classes for adults, etc.) For better flexibility, choose a tutor from those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Czech so difficult and are there ways to learn it more effectively?
Formal language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Czech. As proven by others before, you can gain basic Czech fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback 5 hours a week you will be able to understand most expressions, have simple conversations, socialize in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a quick and enjoyable way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Czech. After gaining basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Czech tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced learners.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of Czech?
Some people just have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Czech will require at least 600 hours of active use. The actual range of time can differ by a lot depending on your existing level of Czech or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch TV, start a journal or write posts and comments using your new language skills, try to communicate with native speakers to speak with, try more ways to think and speak in Czech out loud. If this is not easy you can also take conversational Czech classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Czech instructor?
In colleges and universities, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from select few). Online, certainly! The largest selection of pre-screened Czech tutors with video profiles and comprehensive reviews is available on online language learning platforms like Preply.
🗓 What's the lesson schedule like?
Colleges typically offer classes two times weekly over a semester (15-week period). Language schools usually make available shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, allows the flexibility to schedule lessons around your commitments, on weekdays and/or weekends.